ABSTRACT
Over the last decade computer communication networks have evolved from the domain of research and
business tools for the few, into the mainstream of public life. We have seen continued explosive growth of the
Internet, a world-wide interconnection of computer communication networks that allows low-latency person-
to-person communications on a global basis. Advancements in firewall technology have made it possible to
conduct business using the Internet with significantly-reduced fear of compromise of important private
information, and broad deployment of the World Wide Web, or simply the Web. Technology has facilitated
the creation of new network-based businesses that span the globe. Significant steps have been taken to extend
networking services to the mobile consumer. Perhaps more significantly, the introduction of high speed
Internet access to homes and the introduction of the point-to-point protocol (PPP) have made it possible to
extend the Internet to every home that has at least a basic twisted-pair telephone line.
